Statement from Özgür Özel on Ekrem İmamoğlu's presidential candidacy! 'It will be finalized on March 23'

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel spoke at the European Parliament's Group of Socialists and Democrats meeting. Making statements regarding Turkish politics as well as foreign policy, Özel pointed to the primary election to be held on March 23, stating that Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu will officially become the presidential candidate on that date, and spoke as follows:

"İMAMOĞLU WILL OFFICIALLY BE THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE"

"Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of our apple of the eye, Istanbul, which has served as the capital to the three most well-known empires in the world, will officially earn the title of presidential candidate on March 23, 2025, through a primary election process in which 1 million 700 thousand of our members will go directly to the ballot box.

In a process open to many candidates, the trust placed in him and the protective social ownership against the attacks he has faced have placed the responsibility of being the sole candidate in this primary on him, but the responsibility of rallying millions behind him on our party.

With the completion of this primary election process, we are in the belief and determination that the names who will compete in the first general elections to be held have become clear, and that the only uncertainty regarding the elections is the election date.

My party desires a democratic, peaceful, secular Turkey that respects human rights and the rule of law. We dream of such a Turkey and we are fighting for such a Turkey. What kind of Europe do European politicians dream of? I am of the opinion that the relationship between the European Union and Turkey cannot be considered independently of this question.”